Feature
Colour gemstone jewellery segment dazzles on rising gold prices and celebrity culture

India’s jewellery market is undergoing a significant transformation as soaring gold and diamond prices, coupled with cultural shifts driven by Bollywood and social media, steer younger consumers toward colored gemstones. The surge in popularity of stones like tanzanite, paraiba tourmaline, and morganite marks a departure from the country’s longstanding fixation on gold and natural diamonds.

Economic Pressures Drive Change
With gold prices nearing Rs.100,000 ($1,200) per 10 grams and natural diamonds becoming increasingly cost-prohibitive, younger Indian buyers are seeking more affordable luxury alternatives. Colored gemstones, which offer aesthetic appeal with lower gold content requirements (typically 14- or 18-karat vs. the traditional 22-karat), are emerging as attractive options. The financial advantage, coupled with rising income levels and aspirations for unique, expressive adornments, is accelerating the shift.
Market Growth and Outlook
The colored gemstone sector in India generated an estimated Rs.6,900 crore ($825 million) in FY25, up from Rs.6,400 crore ($770 million) the previous year and Rs.5,000 crore ($600 million) in 2020. This represents a strong growth trajectory and reflects broader market dynamics, including a consumer pivot toward value and individuality. Projections suggest this segment could reach $1.9 billion by 2033, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%.

The Bollywood Effect
Bollywood celebrities and influencers have played a pivotal role in boosting the desirability of colored stones. High-visibility endorsements on Instagram and red carpets are turning once-niche gemstones into mainstream fashion statements. This visibility is not only influencing urban elites but also resonating with aspirational middle-class consumers across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Changing Aesthetic Priorities
While traditional favorites like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies still dominate, there’s growing interest in rarer and more exotic stones. Buyers increasingly value emotional and experiential appeal over conventional markers of luxury like carat weight or clarity. Certification agencies such as Gemological Science International report a 50% rise in colored gemstone submissions in FY25, indicating both growing demand and a desire for authentication.
Broad Price Accessibility
A key factor in this trend is the wide price range of colored gemstones. Entry-level options start at around Rs.1,000 ($12) per carat, while ultra-premium stones such as paraiba tourmalines can fetch up to Rs.500,000 ($6,000) per carat. This spectrum accommodates a broad demographic—from budget-conscious young adults to high-net-worth buyers seeking unique investment pieces.

Jaipur’s Strategic Role
Jaipur has become the heart of India’s colored gemstone processing industry. With over 10,000 cutting and polishing units employing more than 300,000 people, the city is critical to the supply chain. Most of the raw stones are imported from African and South American countries and refined in Jaipur before reaching domestic and international markets.
A Post-Pandemic Revival
The industry, which suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now in revival mode. Recovery is fueled by renewed consumer interest, greater digital exposure, and a redefined understanding of luxury that goes beyond precious metals. Colored gemstones are increasingly seen as a convergence of beauty, personalization, and investment potential.

Feature
Festive Season Forecast: Jewellery Trends Driving Consumer Demand in 2025

As India steps into its most vibrant and commercially significant stretch of the calendar—up to December 2025—the jewellery industry is entering a golden window of opportunity. This festive quarter, often referred to as the “glitter quarter”, consistently delivers a surge in consumer spending, driven by cultural traditions, weddings, and gifting rituals deeply rooted in Indian festivities.
However, in 2025, this high-potential period is set against a backdrop of evolving consumer behaviours, digitally influenced preferences, and a growing desire for emotional storytelling and value-driven purchases. Today’s buyers—particularly millennials and Gen Z—are no longer drawn solely to grandeur; they’re seeking jewellery that reflects personal meaning, functionality, and modern aesthetics, all while staying rooted in tradition.
For manufacturers, retailers, and designers, the months ahead present not just the chance to capitalise on demand, but to build brand loyalty and capture a new generation of customers. Here’s a strategic breakdown of the key jewellery trends that are poised to shape consumer choices this festive season.

Beautiful pair of white gold wedding rings with gems, isolated. The photo was taken by stacking
1. Platinum Gifting Takes Centre Stage
Platinum is increasingly being viewed as a gifting essential—especially during festivals and wedding occasions. The metal’s positioning around 95% purity, emotional symbolism, and modern minimalism appeals strongly to Gen Z and millennial buyers. Retailers are advised to stock contemporary, lightweight platinum SKUs suited for daily wear and festive gifting.

2. Gold Reimagined with Bold Forms
While gold remains a traditional favourite, the demand is moving towards bold and stylised interpretations—think chunky necklaces, oversized earrings, temple motifs, and stackable bangles. Manufacturers should take note of the rising interest in regional craftsmanship, particularly South Indian temple work, Rajasthani filigree, and Bengali gold designs.

3. Silver Moves Beyond Utility
Silver jewellery is no longer confined to budget-conscious segments. With increased consumer appetite for oxidised, handcrafted, and tribal-inspired silver, the metal is gaining relevance for festive season. Quick-to-market silver collections and festive-themed SKUs (like silver rakhis or gift sets) are recommended for retailers looking to tap into this high-volume category.

4. Gemstone & Polki Resurgence
Coloured gemstone jewellery—particularly with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires—is expected to see a spike in demand, especially in the bridal and occasionwear segment. At the same time, uncut Polki diamonds remain a go-to for high-value festive purchases and winter weddings. Retailers should consider curating colour-based collections to align with seasonal fashion palettes and rituals.

5. Personalised & Symbolic Designs
From zodiac and birthstone jewellery to initial charms and spiritual symbols, personalised jewellery is becoming a key purchase driver. Consumers are seeking pieces that hold emotional meaning. Modular charms, talismans, and symbolic pendants are strong SKUs to include in festive lines.

6. Versatile, Convertible Pieces in Demand
Today’s consumers are value-conscious and expect multi-wear options from their jewellery. Detachable elements, reversible pendants, and modular earrings are growing in popularity. Manufacturers should prioritise design innovations that enhance versatility, especially for mid- to high-ticket items targeted at festive buyers.

7. Lab-Grown Diamonds Gain Momentum
Lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery is becoming mainstream across gifting, self-purchase, and bridal categories. With price advantages, ethical positioning, and increasing availability, LGDs are expected to perform well this season—particularly for Diwali gifts, anniversaries, and Christmas promotions. Retailers should integrate LGD collections with aspirational storytelling and certification to build trust.

8. Fusion Styling Leads Design Direction
With consumers blending ethnic and Western wear, jewellery too is evolving. Designs that bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics are key—think kundan chokers with Indo-western gowns, jadau studs with power suits, and meena work bangles with cocktail saris. This crossover appeal offers significant scope for brands to expand their design language.
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